Italian architect and furniture designer Maurizio Tempestini is well-known among vintage outdoor furniture aficionados for his sculptural Clamshell line and other elegant mid-century modern furnishings for patios and gardens.
Born in Florence in 1908, Tempestini completed his studies in Industrial Decoration at the Porta Romana Art Institute in 1929. His career as an interior architect and furniture and lighting designer flourished during the early 1930s. It was during this time Tempestini was also active as a set designer for several Italian theater productions, including Mario Massa’s Osteria degli immortali and Luigi Bonelli’s comedy Il Gigli.
Tempestini then turned his attention from the stage to designing furniture and decorative objects. He crafted pieces for ceramics factory Cantagalli in Florence, as well as for Murano glass manufacturers Seguso and Cappellin.
In 1934, Tempestini worked on the external renovation of the Palazzo delle Esposizioni at the Parterre di San Gallo in Florence for the Littoriali Exhibition. Later, in 1938, he formed a studio with architects Nello Baroni and Pietro Porcinai before cofounding the legendary postwar Italian lighting maker Arteluce with designer and engineer Gino Sarfatti in 1939.
During the 1950s, Tempestini designed lighting fixtures for Lightolier and began to collaborate with Brooklyn, New York’s John B. Salterini Company. Salterini was an Italian emigree who initially worked in journalism before becoming an eminent producer of high-end wrought-iron furniture.
Tempestini’s modernist outdoor furniture for Salterini resembled indoor seating manufactured by the likes of Knoll or Artifort — his chairs and other seating boasted organic curves and seductive, unconventional shapes. His work complemented Salterini’s own handmade designs, which reflected Gothic Revival and Art Deco influences. Together the designers produced successful lines of garden and patio furniture for Salterini’s eponymous firm.
Tempestini’s name soon became widely known in the United States. His designs were first introduced to the American public in 1951 through Gimbels Department Store and Suniland Furniture in Houston, Texas. Today his bold and stylish patio furniture remains sought after by collectors everywhere.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Maurizio Tempestini garden elements, lounge chairs and tables.
Pair of Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini “Radar” tables
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Southampton, NJ
A beautiful pair of Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini expanded metal side tables, perfect for outdoor or indoor use. These mid-century tables feature a classic, durable design, fresh...
Iron
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Metal Magazine End Table with Glass Top
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century two-tiered, metal, rectangular end table in a minimalist design with glass top and basket woven rattan lower shelf, standing on four triangular supports. (MAURIZIO TEMPES...
Glass
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Metal Magazine End Table with Woven Shelf
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century two-tiered, rectangular metal magazine end table with an openwork back which gently slopes upward to house magazines, with a basket woven rattan lower shelf and clear gla...
Glass
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Midcentury Circular White Metal End Table
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century circular white metal "Ribbon" occasional table with glass top standing on 4 triangular legs. (MAURIZIO TEMPESTINI FOR JOHN SALTERINI...
Metal
Pair of Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Brass & Rattan Occasional Tables
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Mid-Century occasional end / side tables with basket woven rattan tops woven on brass frames resting on two V-shaped supports with rounded corners. (MAURIZIO TEMPESTINI FOR J...
Brass
Pair of Guy Lefevre For Maison Jansen Sofa Table
By Guy Lefevre
Located in Miami, FL
Superb pair of sofa tables by Guy Lefevre for Maison Jansen Repolished and refinished.
Brass
$321Sale Price|65% Off
H 20.87 in W 26.19 in D 15.95 in
Scandinavian Teakwood Wheeled Side Table or End Table, Midcentury
Located in Labrit, Landes
Little wheeled console, French, circa 1960-1970 This furniture was created to store sewing materiel Very good condition Shipping: L 66.5, P 40.50, H 5...
Teak
Round Black Metal 1960s Italian Side Table with Glass Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Round black metal Italian side table from the 1960s with thick glass top.
Metal
Brutalist Style Metal Tree with Birds Side Table with Glass Top
Located in Pasadena, TX
This table is crafted in the brutalist Style. It's made of patinated metal. The base is a tree with limbs and birds. The top is fitted glass.
Metal
$1,995
H 16.5 in W 41.25 in D 19.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Cocktail Table by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and rare cocktail table design by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini with a built in magazine rack basket. Two glas...
Iron
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.25 in W 31 in D 20 in
Silas Seandel Brutalist Mixed Metal Side End Dynasty Coffee Glass Top Table Base
By Silas Seandel
Located in Wayne, NJ
A rare part of the Designers Dynasty Collection table base. It is signed Silas Seandal . It can either be used as a base for a Side / end table or s...
Metal
Wrought Iron End Side Table Base possibly Salterini
By Salterini
Located in New York, NY
Wrought iron table base having a hexagonal top, with hairpin legs that gather in the center. Reminiscent of Salterini , probably American made circa 1950's. The table is missing it's...
Wrought Iron
Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Circular Cocktail by Michael Taylor for Baker
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A chic an elegant Classic designed by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture. It features an ebony finish along with a beautifully grained teak top. Metal Baker tag on underside. Will wo...
Wood
Midcentury Walnut End Tables
Located in Denton, TX
California Modern solid walnut beveled top side tables in the style of John Keal.
Walnut
$9,650 / set
H 29.5 in W 36 in D 23 in
Set of Mae Solid Wood Nightstands / End Tables with Leather Shelf
By Crump and Kwash
Located in Baltimore City, MD
Mae nightstands with shelf by Crump and Kwash This listing is for a pair of new nightstands. Features Solid wood frame / hand turned legs / hand rub...
Brass
Midcentury Gueridon End Table, France, 1960s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
French Vintage Gueridon End Table - Elegant 1960s Design with Versatile Functionality Introducing a charming and elegant French vintage gueridon end table from the 1960s, a testament to the sophisticated design sensibilities of the era. This versatile piece makes the perfect small support table for a living room, or it can be used as a pedestal to display a large planter or a sculpture, adding an air of refinement to any space. The end table features a circular pedestal base with an exquisite anellé design, showcasing the attention to detail and craftsmanship synonymous with 1960s French furniture...
Oak
James End Table Oak White
Located in Cincinnati, US
Seemingly defying the laws of nature, this Danish-inspired design is composed of a razor thin metal top covered with oak veneer, atop an elegant wire base. The warmth of the wood grain adds a level of complexity balancing the minimalist base for a table that will leave your guests intrigued and your mama proud she raised someone with such good style. The offset base conveniently slides under the sofa making it the perfect accessory for those who have ditched the traditional desk...
Metal
Sold
H 16.5 in W 26.75 in D 17.5 in
Orange Slice Mesh Metal Side Table by Tempestini for Salterini, Italy
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A well crafted satin black metal mesh side table matching the Orange Slice collection by Maurizio Tempestini manufactured by John Salterini Italy. Havi...
Metal
Side Table, Solid Oak, Maurizio Tempestini, 1938 / 1940
By Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Berlin, DE
This beautiful rare and minimal side table is made of solid oak wood, that has been finished with a lime wash, bringing out the structure of the wood. Maurizio Tempestini (Florenc...
Oak
Pair of Tempestini for Salterini Butterfly Drink Tables
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Mid-Century Modern iron butterfly drinks tables designed by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini. Sculptural styled painted wrought iron toppe...
Wrought Iron
Salterini Orange Slice Clam Shell Side Tables Maurizio Tempestini
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Set of 3 stylized oval side tables by Maurizio Tempestini for John Salterini. Curved legs with ample space for your drink and food plate. Just recently painted white. See the other p...
Iron
Sold
H 25 in W 28 in D 22.5 in
Maurizio Tempestini Salterini Wrought Iron Side Tables with Marble Tops, Pair
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Miami, FL
Maurizio Tempestini Salterini wrought iron side tables with marble tops, pair Offered for sale is a pair of wrought iron side tables...
Marble, Wrought Iron
Ribbon Side Tables by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini, Pair
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-Century iron and oak triangle outdoor patio side table designed by Maurizio Tempestini for the Salterini Company. This table is comes with a new blond oak top and has been repain...
Iron
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Marble-Top Side Table
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Culver City, CA
A stunning design, this side table by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini features an Italian marble-top and a wicker/rattan shelf all on a clean, iron hairpin style frame.
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Side Table
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Culver City, CA
Another stunning design by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini. This side table features a clean, modern, iron frame, with a rattan / w...
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Marble-Top Side Table
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in Culver City, CA
A stunning design, this side table by Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini features an Italian marble top and a wicker/rattan shelf all on a clean, iron hairpin style frame.
Tempestini for Salterini Occasional Table
By John Salterini, Maurizio Tempestini
Located in New York, NY
Nice side table designed by Tempestini for Salterini. Oval metal mesh top, on wrought iron legs. Freshly powder coated, suitable for indoor or...
Wrought Iron
Sold
H 27 in W 22.5 in D 20 in
Maurizio Tempestini Pair of Patio Iron Lounge Chairs & Table, Mid-Century Modern
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine outdoor patio suite designed by Maurizio Tempestini and manufactured by Salterini in the 1950s. It features two "Clam Shell" lounge chairs along with a small cocktail table. A...
Iron
Sold
H 20.5 in W 24.5 in D 19.75 in
Maurizio Tempestini Wrought Iron and Glass "Scherzo" Tables for Salterini, Pair
By Maurizio Tempestini, John Salterini
Located in Hanover, MA
Pair of vintage early, 1950s Salterini wrought iron and glass triangular wedge form tables designed by Maurizio Tempestini. 20.5 in. H x 24 in. W x 19.75 in. x D 9 inches on the shor...
Wrought Iron